Our brains need periodic breaks to refresh. Studies show taking breaks can improve our performance. Make the most of your workdays by taking a lunch break away from your desk. Sounds like an easy to-do, right? Unfortunately, it may not be for many. More than half of Americans studied said it was “rare or unrealistic for them to take a proper lunch break away from their work.” If you are someone who can’t get away from your desk, our tooth-healthy lunch box recipes will refuel your body and help you take a break throughout your work day.
Today, Americans are now more likely to eat at their desk than anywhere else. We stay at our desks hoping it will help us get more work accomplished. Studies prove that the real impact, though, is that we’re left feeling:
- Tired
- Stressed
- Overwhelmed
- Exhausted
- Anxious
When you are properly fueled with meals from our lunch box ideas for work, it will boost your smile health! You will eat from the five major food groups and the more colorful your plate, the better! Include:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas, and other legumes
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy foods
This allows your body to get a variety of minerals from different nutrient-rich sources. Oral health and overall health are closely related, so they’re good for your smile, too!
Try one of these three easy lunches:
Zesty Shrimp and Black Bean Salad Featuring:
- Protein Power: Shrimp, black beans
- VIP Vegetables: Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes
- Compelling Carbohydrate: Whole-wheat tortilla
Shrimp is extremely healthy. 90% of the calories in shrimp are protein which make them perfect fuel for your body and mind. Three ounces of shrimp can provide over 20 different vitamins and minerals, which can help reduce inflammation and promote good heart health. Protein is essential to our smile because it helps strengthen the teeth. The American Dental Association recommends eating at least 8 oz. of seafood a week.
Full recipe via eatingwell.com
Watermelon Gazpacho Featuring:
- Famous Fruit: Watermelon
- Dynamic Dairy: Feta
Watermelon packs almost 23 milligrams of vitamin C per serving. Vitamin C helps to protect us from infections. Studies prove a link between low Vitamin C levels in the plasma and periodontitis (severe gum disease).
Full recipe via today’s parent.com.
Asian Chopped Kale Salad Featuring:
- Protein Power: Edamame, avocado
- VIP Vegetables: Kale, snow peas
Dark, leafy greens add an enormous amount of nutrients to your meal. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus are our front-runners when it comes to kale. Our teeth and bones store phosphorus, which aids in how we absorb calcium and magnesium.
Full recipe via cookieandkate.com.
Finally, claim an office drawer and a corner of the fridge to satisfy hunger distractions. Keep them full of healthy, tasty snacks for a satisfying (and more productive) day at work:
- Almonds
- Whole-grain crackers
- Peanut butter
- Crunchy veggies and hummus
- Apples and bananas
- Granola
A nutrient-rich lunch is sure to keep you smiling until dinnertime. Looking for more tooth-friendly meal ideas? Check out:
*Updated May 2019
